Thread: Twilight Twitched Zombie - Spirit Halloween 2011

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Originally Posted by LT Scare

I hear ya, Dan. However, one point was well taken - if we DID build it ourselves, chances are it would last longer and more easily be repaired.

I used to turn on all my props as I built the Haunt because I thought it was cool to work around the sounds, then set up the timers so that even if I block the entrance - spooky sounds would be eminating from the Haunt-in-construction. Now I set them up, test them once and don't turn them on again until the haunt is pretty much finished (usually a week before H'ween). I also "pinch" times of "operation" prior to Halloween night. All this because I'm concerned the store props might break prior to the big night.

You're lucky to have them out that long! I put out all major animatronics the day of. I have them setup inside waiting to go like an army of spooks, but they stay in till day of. Then when the tots start coming, I turn them on. So last year they were hopping all afternoon and evening. The only thing that wore out were the batteries! Props- just fine! This year I have all the power adapters for them so that problem is solved. In your case, I'd do what you do- test and hold till day of, although I might treat myself to a few pre-shows! Two things come into play- one being you have to enjoy them because it's not a long season like christmas. So run them and enjoy them while you can. And the other thing is- although these props are a hundred bucks or so, they have to be viewed as somewhat dispencible. If they go they go. As you can see from this year, there's always news ones around the corner. And this year when I'm in home depot, I'm gonna look for the plastic wire harnesses these props use too. Mostly it's the crappy wiring job that is the weak spot, if you ask me. Get good at tracking that down, and these props can be DIY servicable in most cases, I think.

Dan

Sounds like an attitude that will keep you sane and minimize the waisted $$.

Originally Posted by LT Scare

I hear ya, but I will want to see these operate before I decide. However, I admit that I'd probably be more inclined to dish out $200 to finally buy that Chest ripper of souls prop that has tempted me for a couple of years now.

I have the chest ripper and he's an excellent prop.

Cool prop from Spirit. Think I will redesign him and make from scratch. I bet it will be cheaper.......LOL